Carroll Doherty

Our report on political polarization in America has renewed debate among journalists and academics over what is called “asymmetrical polarization” – the idea that one party has moved further ideologically than the other. A number of congressional scholars have concluded that the widening partisan gap in Congress is attributable mostly to a rightward shift among […]

Political polarization is the defining feature of early 21st century American politics, both among the public and elected officials. Our study finds that Republicans and Democrats are further apart than at any point in recent history.

A minority of Republicans believe that their party is doing a good job in standing up for its traditional positions of smaller government, tax-cutting and conservative social values.

Polling organizations devote a great deal of attention to the wording of survey questions, but they need to be just as concerned about how questions are ordered. The context in which a specific question is asked, particularly what directly precedes a question in a telephone interview, often has an impact on the way people respond.

The point increase in unfavorable opinions of Rep. John Boehner since he became House Speaker.

The public views a number of public health problems as serious, but while prescription drug abuse does not top the list, it stands out as a problem that Americans say is getting worse.

Seven-in-ten blacks say that blacks in their communities were treated less fairly than whites in dealing with police.

Tea Party Republicans like some federal agencies as much as Democrats do.

During their terms as Speaker of the House, both Republican leader John Boehner and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi experienced similar trajectories in their favorability ratings.

Sentiment about GOP leaders has shifted among the Republican rank-and-file since last month, with Tea party Republican more approving of the leaders, while non-Tea Party Republicans are less approving.